Podcast 106: Ask Your Questions!

What is the most likely thing that will impress you the most about a new game and why?

Hat

We actually touched on this topic recently. You can listen to our thoughts on it here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj0d2rwqRHE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj0d2rwqRHE</a>

Resonant Arc

I wanted to respond to you here on Patreon just because this is something I've mentioned a few times in previous podcasts, but ultimately I LOVE how Xenoblade Chronicles 1 and Final Fantasy 12 handle world construction. I like having large zones that are separated rather than a seamless open world. The reason for this is because the abstraction of moving into a new zone and loading a new area gives the impression that the party has traveled in-between zones for some time, and that the two zones are separated by many miles. This makes a world feel bigger, giving the suggestion of long journeys where we 'skip' over the uneventful sections so to speak. Seamless open worlds, while enormous by video game standards, are TINY when we compare them to real-world continents. To me, FFXV's world for instance is just an absolutely minuscule island, which can be driven across in about 10 minutes. In real life an island that small being considered a nation or continent would be laughable, and Accordo is even smaller! Skyrim can be run across from one side to the other in about 30 minutes or something. I run for an hour at the gym every day, and would be able to make it from one side of Skyrim and back in my daily workout. That's considered a nation in that world! -Mike

Resonant Arc

One thing I'm contemplating is having a standard rotation or set of guests that rotate in on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Think something like "Whose Line Is It Anyway" where they had the core members (Colin, Ryan, Wayne) but had a rotation to fill in the fourth slot (Greg, Brad, Kathryn, Jeff, etc.). On every episode the fourth person would be different, but you'd still see the same people cycling in at that spot. This set up a precedent for a different personality to mix with the core group on every episode, and also allowed for special celebrity guests to fill in that slot every once in a while. I think we could do the same thing, where Casen and I are the core group, but we could cycle in Lorerunner, Kenny McLean, and maybe two others regularly--then leave that spot open for special guests every once in a while.

Resonant Arc

As of now, Casen has not played FFXV on console or PC. -Mike

Resonant Arc

So assuming square enix is going to continue the open world approach for final fantasy 16, what do you think of the idea of them making an open world similar to how Xenoblade Chronicles handles it? Having an world that opens in sections but each section is huge, and having a story that develops alongside it but the twist is they use a combination of the job system of FF5 and the gambit system of FF12 as the battle system? Do you think it would be a good idea or would you rather have an open world like maybe breath of wild where there is really just one roadblock to the whole world then let you just explore?

ReyIvory

Question number 2 - I recently stopped playing Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon because of the backtracking and I disliked the combat. I just generally wasn't having fun. However, it took me nearly 17 hours to come to that decision. I'm playing Resident Evil 5 now for the first time and...woof...but I'm going to finish it out of obligation because I'm a long time RE fan. How do you all come to the decision whether/when to stop playing a game before finishing it (not including those you accidentally stop playing for whatever reason)? Baby Jack says hi again!

I loved watching people's reaction to Nintendo surprising (most) everyone with the smash trailer. But several reactions of people who already knew were boring to watch.

SK Azn Guy

How about a discussion about spoilers/leaks. Are they are good/bad thing? When I was younger I always wanted to hear the leaks/rumors in the VG magazines, but those were really limited (and probably leaked/released by the companies themselves). It is amazing how resourceful people have become to figure out what VG companies are doing, but I worry its ruining the excitement/anticipation of not knowing.

SK Azn Guy

Hey all! What are you thoughts on shelf collecting and whether it affects the price of video games long term and whether that's something to even worry about in the first place? I only trade in games I actively don't like and like a large section of the fan base have a nice collection of games that I love that I wouldn't trade in for anything. Thanks guys and baby Jack says hi!

This isn't a podcast question exactly, but I'm wondering if you've thought about, with Landon taking a leave of absence, getting a new regular podcaster to join y'all each week. I enjoyed the time that old friend of yours (the blond guy) subbed - could he come back? Or any of the other guests you've had? Not that I have to have 3 people on a podcast to listen or anything ;)

Hey Guys: I’m currently studying abroad and experiencing a new city and country, and this got me thinking. If you could visit the world of any game for a few weeks, which would you visit? The schtick is that this isn’t a permanent relocation, but rather more like a vacation, so you eventually have to come back home. Hope to hear from you and keep up the Great Work!

Price Everett

What are the chances of first party M-Rated games being announced at Nintendo's E3 conference? Are we ever going to get a follow up to Eternal Darkness or Mad World? Maybe a new IP? Or do you think there's no chance with Nintendo?

ClankStarr

I know Casen was holding off playing FFXV until pocket edition, but then was disappointed by P.E. From what I can infer, it seems like Casen has finally played FFXV the console and/or PC version now. If so, can we get his take on it and how it stacks up against his favorite FFs.

ClankStarr

Are there any unannounced sequels or remakes which you'd particularly love to see at E3 this year? There are rumors of Final Fantasy Tactics 2, and Bloodborne 2, for example.